Walter Lowi meet takes spotlight

The annual Walter Lowi swim meet takes place at the National Aquatic Centre today.

The meet is named in honour of Walter Lowi, a veteran swim coach in Jamaica who made a great impact on age-group swimming.

Budding Olympic prospects will compete in age-group competition in search of CARIFTA cuts for national development. The in-form Emily MacDonald will move up to the 13-14 girls and is sure to entertain. Zaneta Alvaranga, now in her first year in 11-12 girls, will seek to stamp her dominance on her peers. Upcoming Christanya Shirley is also sure to attempt a record or two in the 8 and under age group.

On the boys' side, Israel Allen should make a good show for himself in the 9-10 boys' age group. Jordane Payne and Akeem Alleyne will also seek glory in the different events of their speciality.

A NEW CATEGORY

The Walter Lowi (known in the clubs as the distance meet) encourages swimmers to swim longer distances and allows swimmers to swim in groups based on their actual birthday on the morning of the meet. This places some swimmers in a new age group category than they have been swimming throughout the year.

A total of 387 swimmers from 11 swim clubs, including the newest local club, AquaMarine Ripples Swim Club, will be competing for the usual coveted hardware, which includes medals and high-point trophies. Last year's winning team was the Y Speedos Swim Club, who will be seeking to retain the title.